Flatbed Cargo Securement Basics Before Your First Load

Published October 14, 2026 · Updated October 17, 2026 · Ascend Dispatch Solutions

Short answer: under FMCSA's cargo securement rules, your tiedowns' combined working load limit must be at least half the cargo's weight, and you need a minimum number of tiedowns based on each article's length and weight. Some commodities, like metal coils and lumber, have their own extra rules.

The general rule

FMCSA says cargo must be firmly immobilized or secured on or within the vehicle by structures of adequate strength, dunnage or dunnage bags, shoring bars, tiedowns, or a combination of these. Cargo likely to roll must be held with chocks, wedges, a cradle or something equivalent.

Working load limit: at least half the weight

The aggregate working load limit of your securement system must be at least one-half the weight of the article or group of articles. FMCSA counts it this way:

• A tiedown that runs from the trailer to an attachment point on the cargo counts for half its working load limit.
• A tiedown that runs from the trailer, over or around the cargo, and back to the trailer counts for its full working load limit.

Unmarked tiedowns are allowed, but FMCSA treats them at the lowest rating for their type. Unmarked welded steel chain is rated as grade 30 proof coil.

Minimum number of tiedowns

If the article isn't blocked against forward movement by a headerboard, bulkhead or other secured cargo:

• 1 tiedown for an article 5 ft or shorter weighing 1,100 lbs or less.
• 2 tiedowns for an article 5 ft or shorter weighing more than 1,100 lbs, or one longer than 5 ft but under 10 ft.
• For an article longer than 10 ft: 2 tiedowns for the first 10 ft, plus 1 for every additional 10 ft or fraction of 10 ft.

If the article is blocked against forward movement, you need at least one tiedown for every 10 ft of length, or fraction of 10 ft.

Edge protection and rub rails

Use edge protection wherever a tiedown could be cut or worn where it touches the cargo. Keep tiedowns inboard of the rub rails whenever practicable. Every tiedown must be secured so it can't come loose or open in transit.

Commodity-specific rules

FMCSA has extra rules for logs, dressed lumber, metal coils (5,000 lbs or more), paper rolls, concrete pipe, intermodal containers, automobiles, heavy equipment and machinery, crushed vehicles, roll-on/roll-off containers and large boulders. If you're hauling any of these on a flatbed or step deck, read that section before you load.

New to flatbed? See our new MC checklist.

Securement is your job as the carrier, but a dispatcher can help by getting the load details (dimensions, weight, tarp needs) from the broker before you accept. See what a truck dispatcher does. New to flatbed on your own authority? Get the free New MC 90-day checklist. Want flatbed or step deck loads booked for you? Fill out the form and we’ll call you, or get the Ascend Load Report by email.

Quick answers

How much working load limit do I need to secure flatbed cargo?

FMCSA requires the aggregate working load limit of the securement system to be at least one-half the weight of the article or group of articles being secured.

How many tiedowns does a flatbed load need?

If the article isn't blocked against forward movement: 1 tiedown for 5 ft or less and 1,100 lbs or less; 2 for 5 ft or less over 1,100 lbs, or between 5 and 10 ft; and for longer articles, 2 for the first 10 ft plus 1 for each additional 10 ft or fraction of 10 ft.

Can I use unmarked straps or chain?

Yes, but FMCSA treats unmarked tiedowns at the lowest working load limit for their type, and unmarked welded steel chain as grade 30 proof coil.

Sources

• FMCSA: Cargo Securement Rules (summary of 49 CFR 393 Subpart I)

Also see our list of brokers that work with new MCs.